Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median respiratory therapist salary in Columbia, SC is $63,486 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$63,486
vs State Avg
+$705
vs National
$-7,054
Cost of Living
90%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486, which is $705 above the South Carolina state average of $62,781. Compared to the national median of $70,540, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Columbia spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $89,100 at the 90th percentile — a $45,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,500
$-9,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $51,300
Median (50th) $63,486
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $89,100

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$74,067
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$70,540
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$67,013
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$64,897
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Columbia

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $63,486 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $89,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,486, a respiratory therapist in Columbia earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Columbia's median respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $62,781. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a respiratory therapist salary of $63,486 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Columbia? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Columbia require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.